Maricopa Mutt March adds events

Maricopa’s third annual Mutt March is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at Pacana Park to raise funds for amenities for the city’s future dog parks. The planning committee has made some exciting additions to this year’s event.

Shape Magazine and Iams have partnered to promote the formulation of dog walking groups across the country. Their representatives will be making a special appearance at the Maricopa Mutt March to hand out copies of Shape as well as to promote exercising with your canine and to discuss how to create local dog walking groups.

The planning committee is working on a temporary Maricopa Mutt March dog park where attendees will be able to let their mutts loose for some free-spirited romping. The area will be fully enclosed and double-gated, as safety is the top priority. The temporary bark park will give pet owners a chance to see the possibilities of a future dog park.

Misty Lee Photography, a local pet photographer, will be on hand to take free professional photos of the dogs attending the Mutt March. Images will be available for download during and soon after the event. The planning committee has also lined up local pet sitters, groomers, vets and other groups of interest to local dog owners. Rescue Row will boast several local rescues, so attendees can adopt a new best friend or gather information about how to do so in the future.

Entertainment will include the popular demonstration by Sonoran Search & Rescue. A coloring contest has been added to the Smooch Your Pooch and leash decorating contests this year. In addition, there will be a raffle with prizes donated by local merchants and individuals. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event.

“We are really excited about this year’s activities. It should be the biggest and best Maricopa Mutt March yet,” said event coordinator Kristen Carr.

For more information about the Maricopa Mutt March, go to www.muttmarch.com.

Submitted photo